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Reviews

Book Review: No Ocean Too Wide

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No Ocean Too Wide @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

No Ocean Too Wide begins in the Spring of 1909 in London, with Katie McAlister racing down a rickety stairway into a dark alley. Why is the 14 year old in a hurry?

In this moving story, Carrie Turansky weaves a tale around the practice of moving orphans from England to Canada. Author of 20 novels and novellas, Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Take a stroll around her website for the back story of production!

I love the use of fiction to wrap teaching lessons and opportunities for grace extended. When Laura is locked out of her family’s flat, Mrs. Graham says, “Ethel Palmer still hasn’t recovered from the loss of her husband and young son. She’s angry about the past and fearful of the future. And I’m afraid that makes her say and do things that are thoughtless and hurtful at times.”

We learn about the Golden Rule through Katie’s kindness to Jenny. And we learn about finding a friend, through Katie’s gift. “She glanced at the Bible in Jenny’s hand, her heart warming. If she found Jesus in the pages of that Bible, she would have a friend who would never leave her side…and that was what she needed most for the journey ahead.”

I also love the use of historical fiction to teach about the past. I had never heard of child emigration from England, and it was eye opening to see the differences of opinions surrounding that movement. Carrie paints word pictures showing both sides with compelling arguments, and in the end, exposes the pitfalls of any agency that becomes institutionalized.

Family wins in this enjoyable read. Get a copy and escape into a time of hardship and love!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Reviews

Book Review: The Jealous Son

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The Jealous Son

The Jealous Son begins within the borders of the Navajo Nation in Arizona. When Eliza and Alex are banished from the only home they’ve ever known, little did they know it would set events into motion that would affect the rest of their lives.

Author Michele Chynoweth has also written The Faithful One, The Peace Maker, and The Runaway Prophet, all based on Biblical characters. She is an inspirational speaker, a book coach and a writing instructor.

The Jealous Son reimagines the lives of Cain and Abel in a contemporary setting and puts flesh on the circumstances surrounding the famous brothers’ lives. It “portrays what happens when envy goes too far.”

Michele weaves a story that takes a look at relationships gone awry and the consequences of attitudes gone sour. The book tackles what a dysfunctional family does to survive and the messes they stir up in the process. Yet, their story is ours, as we all are prone to going our own way, instead of always seeking God’s design. We can relate to anger, jealousy, malice and shame. We, too, have seen the adverse effects of alcohol abuse, gambling addictions, credit card debt, drugs and loneliness. The Jealous Son helps us take a look at ourselves and what we are capable of, if offered different circumstances.

We can relate to wanting better lives for our children. Eliza reflects, “I guess you always wish for more for your kids. And even though you hope they learn from your mistakes and don’t make the same ones you did, ultimately, they have to learn from their own.”

We can understand the grip of pride. “Eliza winced, not daring to even look in her older son’s direction, fervently hoping he wouldn’t be offended. She knew Cameron was proud like his father. Sometimes a little bit of that pride went a long way in building a dream, a house, a family. Sometimes too much could make it all fall apart.”

Read The Jealous Son and find out for yourself what it could have looked like, when Cain and Abel walked the earth!

Sally  

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway : A Silken Thread

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The Cotton States and International Exposition sets the backdrop for A Silken Thread. Four lives are interwoven when the Expo comes to Atlanta, and their values are tested. Laurel, Langdon, Willie and Quincy question their viewpoint in different ways, giving us a peek at human nature. Would we respond any different?

Kim Vogel Sawyer wrote A Silken Thread with an underlying theme. “I wanted to use the elements of story to show the injustice and unfairness of treating people differently based on something as inconsequential and out of one’s control as skin color.”

The year was 1985, but inequalities hadn’t been resolved in the 30 years following the Civil War. The war should have lessened the divide. “Rich and poor, black and white, educated and unschooled… There were more chasms holding people apart than bridges bringing them together.”

Could one person make a difference? Willie’s Ma had said, “Set the better example, Willie. Be kind an’ acceptin’. Sometimes all people need is someone to show them another way to be.”

Through Willie’s actions, we learn the importance of elder care and the sanctity of life.

Through Quincy and Willie’s friendship, we learn people need to be more like God, who looks on a person’s heart.

When trouble hit, Laurel mourned the destruction of the Silk Room. “Why would someone destroy things that were so beautiful?”

Miss Warner sighed. “I suppose it happened, Laurel, because some people don’t see the beauty of a thing. They only see a threat. And in their ignorance, they seek to destroy it.”

There are so many reasons why I liked A Silken Thread. Descriptions of the Expo create excitement about the adventure and change it brought to the South and to the city of Atlanta. A look into the lives of those affected helps me to see the impact of my actions on others. And the elements of good storytelling show me how the Bible relates to life in every century. Kim says, “We all have the same desire as Laurel in the story: to love and be loved, to belong, to matter. We can help others feel accepted and valued when we choose to look past their exteriors to their hearts. That’s what God does for us. As His followers, should we not emulate Him?”

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Get a copy and settle in for a charming story about what really matters!

Question: Can one person make a difference? Explain. Leave a comment, and you will be entered into the drawing to win my copy on Thursday, May 23. (Must be in the continental United States.) For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Retreats, Reviews

Book Review: The Peace Maker

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The Peace Maker by Michele Chynoweth

What do you get, when fiction collides with a story from the Bible? You get The Peace Maker by Michele Chynoweth! The Peace Maker takes a journey in modern day scenes, following the events surrounding Abigail meeting David, king-elect.

Michele Chynoweth is the author of The Faithful One, The Runaway Prophet, and soon to be released, The Jealous Son, all based on Biblical characters. She is also an inspirational speaker, a book coach and a writing instructor.

Michele says her books are “contemporary suspense/romance novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in the Bible,” and they live up to that title! The Peace Maker uses political ploys as a platform and gives an interesting spin to 1 Samuel 8-25.

It’s fascinating to see questions raised about current events in the news. The Peace Maker touches on right-to-life, stem-cell research, domestic violence, racism, and alcoholism, to name a few. Can a Christian effect change in government? Should convictions of one be inflicted on many? Abigail thought so, when she approached David. Make your own opinion, when you see how Michele’s characters carry out their roles in the book.

We took The Peace Maker to another level, by inviting Michele to speak at our Women’s Retreat. Using her book, and basing our theme of “Fearless” on Abigail, we asked, “Are you fearless? Do you struggle to find courage in the midst of life’s challenges?”

Michele helped us look at what equipped Abigail to stop the massacre against her household, and how her story applies to our stories, today. We contemplated steps to cast fear aside and decisions to equip us for action. And, Abigail became a living, breathing role model!  

Get a copy of The Peace Maker, and decide for yourself if it makes the Old Testament brand new. You’re in for a delightful ride!

Sally

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Mended

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Mended by Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh

What happens when hearts of mothers and daughters are Mended? We rebuild, restore and repair. Blythe Daniel & Helen McIntosh authored Mended to show “you don’t have to repeat the patterns that have been set before you.” Helen says, “One of the most important things Blythe and I wanted to share from what we’ve seen and experienced is this: how to mend relationships as you identify and then make new generational patterns.”

The mother/daughter duo bring their experiences in the field of counseling and in the publishing industry together to create a work of restoration. They share their mistakes and pain, and together forge a new path for others to learn life-giving skills.

Mended is a hands-on manual for nurturing and cultivating relationships, and initiating conversations toward healing. Even when there is no interest from the other party for reconciliation, the authors assert the need for forgiveness. They talk about the poison of unforgiveness and the toxins harbored. When the offender doesn’t seek to be forgiven, the call to release that debt is all the more important.

#OurMendedHearts

Blythe & Helen say the mother/daughter relationship is even more tenuous, because women pick up on every nuance and tone. We come with expectations that create stress on the relationship. Fear, controlling behaviors and unhealthy fixation all bring a different layer to interactions. But, they affirm, there is beauty when we partner together in the hard. Helen says, “People don’t mature when there’s not difficulty. In seeing what I experienced with my mom, it gave me the desire not only to change but to make a new way for my own family.”

I am giving away a copy of Mended to one reader in the continental United States. Mended is packed with practical suggestions for conversation starters and respecting boundaries. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and tell me ways you foster conversation in your family. You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday evening, April 15. Share on social media to get an extra entry in the drawing. Be sure to let me know where you shared. I can’t wait to hear your tips!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Leadership, Reviews

Book Review: Free to Focus

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Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt

In Free to Focus, Michael Hyatt tackles the reason why past productivity models don’t work today. We’re living in information overload and have to find a new way to handle life in the fast lane. Hyatt says our Distraction Economy promotes low-value activity instead of helping us tap into unrealized potential.

Formerly the chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael Hyatt is a bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. His work and leadership models help “leaders trade burnout for balance.”

Free to Focus is part of that model. I grew up with a generation of multitaskers, but felt like I could never get everything done. Hyatt says focusing on everything means focusing on nothing. He says we live in a time of outrageous abundance that demands we learn to say no to good things.

The book offers:

  • Liberating Truths to stop limiting beliefs sabotaging productivity.
  •  5 delegation levels that transform leadership.
  • The Daily Big 3 Focus.
  • Handling interruptions.
  • Replenishable Practices, and more.

The book is important for corporations and managing multiple levels within a business, but it also has great insights for individuals seeking to become fully present in the work before us.

Know your “why?”

Hyatt asks, “If productivity simply comes down to doing more things in your Desire Zone and less of everything else, why aren’t most of us doing that already?”

Get a copy of Free to Focus, access to the tools and resources, and develop your goal to getting the right things done! Get $498 of exclusive bonuses when you order by April 13.

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Leave a comment. What is the hardest part of choosing to say no to good things, in order to focus on the best thing?

Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: Of Fire and Lions

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We know the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, but what about the backstory, and all of the gaps between? Mesu Andrews has opened a window to a whole world of unfamiliar sights, smells and tastes in her book, Of Fire and Lions. Through her eyes, we can better understand the environment the Hebrew captives found themselves in, when Babylon came to call.

Mesu Andrews is an author of biblical narratives who takes her calling seriously. She researches biblical accounts to build the foundation, backs them up with historical records, and adds creative fiction to weave them together. The result is award-winning, eye-opening, heart-thumping stories that engage and entertain. Mesu has become one of my favorite authors, as you can see in my reviews of Isaiah’s Daughter and Miriam.

One of the reasons I like Mesu’s writing, is her ability to create teachable moments with her characters. They have shortcomings, yet we learn from their mistakes. They have doubts, and we nod our heads in agreement. They try to take matters in their own hands, and we get a glimpse of how to set things right, with God in charge.

Biblical fiction allows us to draw on the faith of another, and gives a peek into the daily events that might have shaped their choices and consequences. Pick up a copy, and see how it boosts your trust in the God who is more powerful than fire and lions!

What is your favorite story about Daniel’s miracle-working God? Leave a comment, and you will be entered into the drawing to win my copy on Saturday, March 2. (Must be in the continental United States.) For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”








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Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: American Omens

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American Omens
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The year 2038 comes to life in the book, American Omens. Shining a spotlight on hot topics like marijuana, police gun control, censorship and the abuse of online privacy, Travis Thrasher weaves a tale of deception and the fight for justice. American Omens is a work of fiction, yet not so far-fetched to imagine how persecution might happen in a short twenty years from now.

If, like me, you’re new to the writings of Travis Thrasher, even so, you might recognize some of his work. In fact, he has over 50 books in print, including Indivisible, God’s Not Dead 2, and Paper Angels. Travis says, “Readers… want characters to root for and mysteries to dissect and journeys to take.” American Omens creates that draw to stay rooted in a mystery that takes twists and turns until the very end!

American Omens trailer
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Travis says, “The premise is the future persecuted Christian faith.” As I processed the backstory, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would also fall into the masses of those who wouldn’t speak out against evil. If I remain passive, I cannot blame anyone else when I lose the freedoms so passionately sought by our forefathers. And, if we’re silent too long, whether we’re afraid to appear intolerant or worried about offending people, one day we will no longer have the opportunity to speak!

I recommend this book, not just as a good read, but as one that will open your eyes to the unseen battle raging around us. Just as revolutionary as C.S. Lewis’, The Screwtape Letters, American Omens has a place in our time to wake us up and enlist us in the fight for faith.

Enter to win! I am giving away not one, but two copies of American Omens to two readers in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) and answer this question, “How do you show love, yet call for accountability to your faith?” You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Monday, February 18. For an extra chance to win the drawing, share this post on social media and let me know in the comments.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 



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Reviews

Book Review: I Will Be Praying For You

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Do you struggle with knowing how to pray for your child? Corine Hyman provides help in her book, I Will Be Praying For You.

Corine Hyman is a clinical psychologist and a foster parent. She understands the intricacies of a mom’s day and the need to step back and recommit that little one to the Lord. Corine has also written Jaden Goes to Foster Care, My Journey with Jesus Christ, Studying the Women of the Bible: A 60-Day Journal, and God and Snow. Her books help “to stimulate discussion and interaction between children and the adults who care for them.” Corine’s “research includes the treating and understanding the long terms impacts of trauma on development, parent-child attachment/engagement and assessment issues.”

One of my earliest memories of prayer stems back to third or fourth grade. My parents were missionaries on a small island, and medical help was sparse at the time. I must have been very sick, because I remember our kind pastor coming to our house to pray over me.

I also had grandmothers who covered me with prayer throughout the tough formative years. I felt cared for and loved, and motivated to carry on that prayer support for my grands.

Corine uses the stages of life to show the prayers that equip it. In pregnancy, the toddler stage and beyond, moms are shown ways to pray over their children using passages of Scripture to form their prayers.

Prayer is a precious gift we give to our families. As we pray for them, we ask the Lord to work on their behalf. But, it is also a gift we give ourselves. Deuteronomy 4:7 says the Lord is near us when we pray to Him, so we are inviting Him into the circumstances that threaten to rob us of the relationships we crave.

Get a copy of this sweet book. Corine models prayer and the passages that inspire it, in fresh and real ways. She will remind you of the power of being your child’s prayer warrior and reconnecting with the One who knows each one of our needs!

Sally

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of I Will Be Praying For You from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Reviews

Review: The NKJV Study Bible

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The NKJV Study Bible, Cranberry Leathersoft

Thomas Nelson has released the New King James Version Study Bible with an outstanding array of tools. In full-color, the artwork shows Bible maps and cultural nuances. Word studies and cross-references enable the student of God’s Word to dig deeper into the text. And book introductions, outlines and timelines flesh out the background of each book, opening up a world of rich understanding.

One of my favorite tools in any Bible is the Concordance. It is my go-to when a verse is niggling in the back of my head, but I can’t remember where to find it. I look up the part I remember and start on a treasure hunt to find the match. It’s also a resource when looking for verses on a topic, like family, fear or fellowship. Do you want to know more about Abraham, Absalom or Aquila? Yep, look in the Concordance. It fits the pieces of the puzzle together, one story at a time.

But don’t stop there! You’ll also find a Subject Index, Word Studies and Articles. Charts and Diagrams open up visuals, and geography puts maps into perspective.  

The Complete Resource for Studying God’s Word

Why am I a fan of God’s Word? Because I’ve seen what it could do to change my life. It draws me to the Author and endears me to His heart. Having my own study Bible enabled me to seek the Lord and softened my heart. I would wish for a Study Bible with tools for every Christian, whether new or seasoned, so that each person could see for themself the difference it makes! Investigate The NKJV Study Bible for yourself, and make the investment in your Christian walk!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of The NKJV Study Bible from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am taking this copy to give away in Uganda this March!

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